Wayne Ward was a center for Syracuse basketball for one season. He was a tall player on a team needing height, and had the potential to be a solid rebounder. He had a lot of raw talent with a nice shooting touch from the field and the free throw line.

Ward combined with classmate Ernie Austin to lead the Syracuse freshman team to a perfect 16-0 season. He was second in the team in scoring with 19.8 points per game, and had 257 rebounds (16.1 per game).

Ward became the starting center his sophomore season filling in for the graduated Rick Dean. Ward struggled early in the season to the adjustment to varsity play. He continued to improve all season and was playing well at years end. However, Ward struggled academically and was unable to stay on the team after his sophomore season for academic reasons.

On November 23, 1968 Wayne Ward was arrested along with Syracuse running back Oley Allen. The two where charged with robbing the DeWitt Colonial Inn on August 31st that year, and with burglary of the Top-Of-The-Hill restaurant in Camillus on November 11th. They both would be convicted of the crimes and serve jail time.